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Nichole (Nikki) DeShazo
Butte,MT
Summary
Experienced lead computed tomography technologist specializing in advanced imaging techniques and patient safety. Over 20 years of experience in operating state-of-the-art imaging equipment and training radiology students. Skilled in image interpretation, multiplanar reconstructions, and 3D post-processing, with a focus on adhering to radiation safety protocols. Strong communicator adept at assessing physician needs and ensuring optimal patient positioning and care post-scan.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lead Computed Tomography Technologist
St. James Hospital
Butte, MT
04.2006 - Current
- Managed appointment schedules to ensure timely completion of patient exams.
- Maintained radiologic equipment, prolonging lifespan and preventing malfunctions.
- Enhanced patient comfort through clear explanations of imaging procedures.
- Trained new team members to improve workforce competency and efficiency.
- Collaborated with radiologists to develop effective imaging protocols.
- Performed multiplanar and 3D post-processing for diagnostic accuracy with experience using Vitrea and AW.
- Captured images in operating rooms and emergency settings using mobile equipment.
- Ensured adherence to radiation safety guidelines and infection control practices.
- Adhered to safety protocols and infection control measures during procedures.
- Documented patient information and imaging results in medical records accurately.
- Assisted in training new technologists on equipment usage and protocols.
- Coordinated with healthcare teams to streamline patient workflow effectively.
- Maintained highest levels of quality, safety and patient confidentiality by following hospital and regulatory guidelines when collecting patient information and conducting imaging procedures.
- Reduced patients' anxiety and enhanced cooperation by educating on procedure details, instructions and expectations.
- Operated mobile imaging equipment to capture medical information at patients' bedsides, operating, and emergency rooms.
- Provided support to clinical users through knowledge of clinical processes, documented needs, workflows, and clinical practice standards.
- Investigated, troubleshot, reproduce, and determined solutions for customers reported problems.
- Perform root cause analysis and resolution.
- Support the team and customers on supported clinical applications and related clinical workflows
- Deliver user training, documentation, and guidance to improve adoption and effective system use
- Validate changes through testing and coordinate with stakeholders to ensure minimal disruption to patient care
- Maintain detailed documentation of configurations, known issues, resolutions, and best practices
- Act as the voice of the clinical user by providing feedback to product, engineering, and leadership teams
- Manage the complaint handling process to ensure the timely, accurate resolution of customer issues.
- Demonstrate a professional phone manner and presence with a customer-focused attitude toward issue resolution
- Document all actions taken during problem resolution in appropriate internal tracking systems differentiating between complaints and non-complaints per FDA guidelines
- Identify complaints that constitute potential hazards and bring them to the attention of the appropriate teams and leadership per company procedures.
- Timely escalation of customer issues for evaluation and action by higher-level support
- Ensured a warm “hand-off” of hot issues and customer escalations
- Assist in creation of educational and clinical marketing materials
- Supported business partners and third party product offerings for nuclear cardiology, nuclear neurology, magnetic resonance cardiology, magnetic resonance neurology, magnetic resonance oncology, PET imaging, Spectral Imaging, and cardiac ultrasound
- Collaborate cross-functionally with product teams on defects, enhancements and feedback requests submitted by users.
- Proactively look for ways to improve and promote quality
- Administered IV contrast materials, radiopharmaceuticals and antispasmodics to patients.
- Tested patients to gather information on wide range of illnesses and diagnoses.
- Participated actively in performance improvement activities within the department.
- Observed professional ethics when dealing with patients, their families, coworkers and other health care providers.
- Ensured that radiation safety guidelines were followed at all times when performing CT scans.
- Organized daily workflow efficiently while ensuring high-quality standards are met.
- Assessed patient condition before, during, and after CT imaging procedures.
- Reported any findings or changes in patient condition to radiologist or other medical personnel.
- Maintained accurate records of all exams performed using radiology information systems.
- Calibrated and operated CT scanners to ensure optimal image quality.
- Reviewed images for accuracy prior to archiving them into PACS system.
- Assisted with maintenance of equipment to ensure safe operation in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.
- Prepared reports summarizing patient history, exam results, diagnosis and treatment plans as required by physicians.
- Adapted quickly to changing situations while maintaining a positive attitude.
- Provided technical assistance and instruction to students, residents, fellows, and other staff members.
- Performed quality control checks on equipment regularly per hospital policy.
- Operated computer workstations for data entry and retrieval purposes.
- Acquired accurate patient history and documented details in medical record.
- Completed CT scans and related patient care procedures using age appropriate methods for patient's physical ability and individual limitations.
- Completed general administrative tasks to support radiology department.
- Reset examination rooms between appointments by cleaning surfaces and restocking supplies.
- Maintained currency on radiologic technology and made recommendations to leadership regarding equipment updates and replacements.
- Entered commands, specified sequences, and adjusted transmitters for scans.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to enhance product performance and user experience.
- Documented troubleshooting processes and solutions in knowledge base for future reference.
- Provided training sessions for new employees on software tools and customer service techniques.
- Analyzed customer feedback to identify trends and recommend improvements to products.
- Monitored system performance and reported anomalies to ensure optimal functionality.
- Developed user guides and training materials to facilitate better customer understanding of products.
- Identified issues and implemented appropriate solutions to deliver quick and effective remediation.
- Monitored system performance to ensure optimal functioning of services.
- Trained other team members on relevant technologies and procedures.
- Maintained inventory of all equipment used by the company's staff.
- Provided technical guidance when needed to other departments or personnel.
- Participated in regular meetings with management regarding project status updates.
- Resolved customer inquiries in a timely manner by utilizing problem-solving skills.
- Created knowledge base documents for frequently asked questions.
- Optimized system configurations for maximum performance and reliability.
- Utilized advanced technical expertise to improve support processes and streamline customer service actions.
- Analyzed system logs and performance metrics to proactively identify and mitigate potential issues.
- Coordinated with vendors and suppliers to resolve hardware and software issues.
- Developed and maintained detailed documentation of common issues and solutions to enhance knowledge base.
- Assisted in the deployment of new software applications and hardware systems.
- Implemented backup and recovery procedures to safeguard against data loss.
- Ensured compliance with security policies and procedures to protect sensitive information.
- Collaborated with development teams to report bugs and suggest improvements based on customer feedback.
- Advised management on the feasibility and implementation of new technology solutions.
- Maintained positive working relationship with fellow staff and management.
- Maintained records of data communication transactions, problems, and remedial actions or installation activities.
- Collected, analyzed and reported on data for use in operational planning.
- Oversaw daily performance of computer systems.
- Maintained composure and patience in face of difficult customer situations, applying de-escalation techniques and positive customer support.
- Read technical manuals, conferred with users, or conducted computer diagnostics to investigate and resolve problems.
- Conducted workflow analysis, space design or cost comparison analysis.
- Evaluated software or hardware to recommend improvements or upgrades.
- Performed a variety of clerical and administrative duties pertaining to on-site support.
Education
Associates Of Applied Science - Radiologic Technology
Montana Tech University of Montana
Butte, MT04-2006
Skills
- Trauma imaging
- Patient care
- Fluoroscopic procedures
- Adult imaging
- Contrast administration
- Patient positioning
- Orthopedic imaging
- Image evaluation
- Cross-sectional anatomy
- Anatomy
- Interventional radiology
- Computed tomography
- Digital imaging techniques
- Digital workflow management
- Radiation dose monitoring
- Advanced imaging protocols
- Digital radiography
- Radiation safety
- Intravenous catheter placement
- Direct patient care
- Patient safety
- Patient education
- Patient evaluation
- HIPAA
- Medication administration
- Medical terminology
- Appointment scheduling
- Patient workflow optimization
- Quality control
- Staff training
- Patient advocacy
- Diagnostic imaging
- Radiologic imaging
- Data confidentiality
- Emergency imaging protocols
- Health education
- X-rays
- Staff development
- Procedure support
- EMR / EHR
- Patient shielding techniques
- Radiologic technology
- Radiology
- Staff education
- Electronic healthcare records
- Infection prevention practices
- Image interpretation
- Imaging data management
- Image storage
- PACS operation
- Needle localization
- ALARA adherence
- Radiographic equipment operation
- Contrast media administration
- X-ray operation
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Analytical thinking
- Multitasking Abilities
- Reliability
- Excellent communication
- Critical thinking
- Organizational skills
- HIPAA compliance
- Compassionate care
- Active listening
- Communication skills
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Verbal communication
- Decision-making
- Equipment handling
- Detail-oriented
- Certified in CPR/AED
- Radiation safety
- Relationship building
- Body positioning and placement
- Advanced CT imaging
- Image reconstruction
- 3D rendering proficiency
- 3D post processing
- CT scanning
- Patient imaging protocols
- Equipment maintenance
- Medical record documentation
- Workflow optimization
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Team training
- Problem solving
- Patient support services
- Protocol development
- Emergency procedures
- Records management
- Continuing education
- 3D image processing
- Technical aptitude
- Radiology compliance standards
- Post-processing techniques
- Scanner operation
- Imaging software
- CT protocols
- Confidentiality compliance
- Workplace safety
- Medical imaging software
- Physician assistance
- Patient care techniques
- Image archiving
- Clinical professionalism
- Written skills
- Inventory management
- X-ray technologies
- Documentation
- Mobile x-ray
- Equipment preparation
- Radiographic procedures
Certification
- ARRT R.T.(R)(CT)
- Montana State Radiologic Technologist License
Languages
English
Native/ Bilingual
Affiliations
- Volunteer-Cancer Fundraising
- https://nbcmontana.com/news/local/butte-benefit-friday-night-for-12-year-old-battling-cancer
- https://nbcmontana.com/news/local/friends-plan-benefit-for-12-year-old-with-cancer
- https://www.facebook.com/Cadensfight/mentions/
- https://www.gofundme.com/f/lw7izk
Timeline
Lead Computed Tomography Technologist
St. James Hospital
04.2006 - Current
Associates Of Applied Science - Radiologic Technology
Montana Tech University of Montana